Septuagenarians on Bodmin Moor - Bolventor and beyond

We've driven across Bodmin Moor on the A30 many, many times. And occasionally we have stopped at Jamaica Inn, which most people associate with this part of the moor. But we've never been there with the intention of taking a walk in the surrounding countryside. Last week we did and here's a post to prove it. It was great walking in a new area and along tracks and footpaths that were obviously not well-trodden.

A 6.3 mile circular route that took us over the River Fowey twice, onto Codda Down, Webbs Down and Palmersbridge before returning to our starting point. Which was just opposite Jamaica Inn on the north side of the A30. Not the best of days weatherwise and I'd grade this walk as 'moderate' with a fairly difficult stretch across a few fields of tufty grass. Oh, I should mention the rather poor signposting - and probably equally poor map reading - that lead to a few moments (!) of confusion.

Our starting point, showing the mizzly hazy conditions that accompanied us for a great part of our walk. There were, however, some periods of blue skies and clear views. Typical Cornish weather really.

It's a good year for all sort of berries.

Looking up the valley towards Leskernick Hill in the centre distance. Keen eyes might be able to make out the isolated Leskernick Cottage, nestling at the base of the hill. An almost blue sky.

For lovers of sheep creeps, here's a good one for you to admire. Made to look even more attractive by the brown of the bracken.

The River Fowey is formed from the drainage of Fowey Marsh, which is probably a mile or so from this point. Luckily there was a rather handy footbridge to get us over this bit without having to wade.

Browngelly in the distance.

Move 45 degrees from the above and we can see Brown Willy. Most of the farm land in this area has been reclaimed from the open moor since the early 1800s. When the reclamation first started, Bolventor was known as 'Bold Venture' which gives a good indication of how difficult farming was thought to be.

Brown Willy in the mist. We really must make an effort to get up there.

I've already mentioned the questionable signposting and here's a good example. Spot the finger post.

Our second crossing of the Fowey - Palmersbridge. One of those places that are so quiet that it seems a pity to intrude. But intrude we had to to get to the other side..............

....and have the joy of negotiating this steep, leaf-bestrewn cattle track. This lead from Dryworks Farm, over the ford by the bridge and then up to grazing on the moor. I doubt whether it's done that often nowadays.